GIFT Nifty futures down 20 pts; D-Street likely to open muted

Indian equities are set for a lackluster opening on Wednesday, tracking weak global cues. GIFT Nifty futures were down 20 points at 22,124.50, signalling a subdued start for Dalal Street. Analysts remain cautious amid sustained foreign investor selling, global trade tensions, and lack of domestic triggers.

Technical outlook

Market experts suggest that a move above 22,142 on Nifty 50 could revive buying momentum, while failure to hold key support at 21,851 may trigger further downside, possibly extending to 20,900. India VIX, the volatility index, inched up 0.5 per cent to 13.83, indicating cautious sentiment.

Global markets signal caution

• Wall Street: US indices ended in the red on Tuesday, with the Dow down 1.55 per cent, S&P 500 losing 1.22 per cent, and Nasdaq slipping 0.35 per cent amid escalating trade tensions.

• Asia: Japanese markets edged higher, while Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.8 per cent. European futures signalled a negative start.

FII/DII activity

Foreign investors offloaded Rs 3,406 crore worth of shares, while domestic institutions bought Rs 4,851 crore, providing some support.

With mixed global sentiment and a lack of major domestic triggers, the market is expected to remain range-bound.